Having a pet dog can be extremely fun and fulfilling. However, it can also be stressful and challenging when your dog has a health problem, and he can’t use words to communicate to you what he’s feeling. Luckily, there are vets that can help pet owners better understand what their dog is experiencing but doing some research about common dog health problems can also help people spot health issues in their pets as they arise. The following health problems are some of the most common in dogs.
Skin Conditions
Just like you, your dog can get skin that is itchy and uncomfortable. Skin conditions are very common in dogs and can be caused by many things, including the weather, parasites, allergies and more. Pay attention to whether your dog is itching more than normal, or if his skin looks red or out of the ordinary. Your vet may be able to offer topical and oral medication that can clear up a skin condition.
Dental Disease
It’s not particularly easy to keep your pup’s teeth clean and really getting your dog’s teeth clean can require anesthesia and a deep cleaning while he’s asleep. However, oral care for your dog is important, since it’s very common for dogs to get dental disease. If you want to look for dental disease in dogs, try to notice if your dog has bad breath. You may also see plaque and build-up on teeth and gums. It’s important to get your dog’s teeth cleaned not just for the sake of appearance, but also because bacteria from teeth can enter a dog’s bloodstream through the gums and cause major health concerns.
Ear Infections
Dogs are also prone to getting ear infections. There are lots of things that can cause an infection in a dog’s ear, from parasites to bacteria to hair follicles. If your dog is scratching at his ear, shaking his head constantly or showing ear canal discharge, you should take him to the vet. Sometimes, you can even spot an ear infection in a dog, since it often turns a dog’s ear canal red.
Vomiting
Sometimes, your furry friend will vomit because he got into something he wasn’t supposed to. However, vomiting is a common health concern in dogs, and it can be a sign of something more serious. Watch your dog and see if he shows other health problems, or whether he continues to vomit after one time. If he vomits and feels better, it’s likely your dog is fine. However, if he vomits and seems ill or vomits multiple times, it’s a good idea to take him to a vet who can determine what’s causing the vomiting.
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Obesity
It’s really easy for dogs to get overweight especially if your dog loves food and doesn’t get enough exercise. Bring your dog to the vet regularly and record his weight. If your dog begins to gain weight, it can be helpful to put him on a lower calorie food plan so that he can keep excess weight off. A good diet and plenty of exercise should keep your dog from experiencing any of the health risks of being overweight or obese.
Cancer
Like humans, dogs can get cancer no matter what their age is. Look for tumors in dogs regularly, and bring them into the vet if you find a bump or lump that isn’t normal. You should also pay attention to symptoms like weight loss, lethargy or lack of appetite.
If you have a pet dog, it can help you to learn about some common dog health problems so you can spot any conditions in your pup early. It can also help to develop a relationship with a vet, who can notice any changes in your dog’s appearance or behavior, and treat them when he realizes something is wrong. A vet can also help you manage preventative treatments that will ultimately keep your dog from getting sick like Bravecto, which protects your dogs from illnesses that are brought by fleas and ticks.
Lannie, a writer for Allivet. Allivet provides affordable pet supplies and pet medications, all of which can be purchased online. Listed below are some helpful resources referenced in the article that can provide some guidance for those looking for helpful information on pet supplies & medication:
